feel

verb

\ ˈfēl

felt\ ˈfelt

\; feeling

Definition of feel

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to handle or touch in order to examine, test, or explore some quality She felt the fabric to see if it was wool.

b : to perceive by a physical sensation coming from discrete end organs (as of the skin or muscles) He felt a sudden pain in his leg.

2a : to undergo passive experience of continually felt the resentment of his competitors

b : to have one's sensibilities markedly affected by felt the insult deeply

3 : to ascertain by cautious trial —usually used with out feeling out the sentiments of their neighbors on the subject of school improvements

4a : to be aware of by instinct or inference feel trouble brewing

b : believe, think say what you really feel

5 US slang : to understand (someone) : to know how (someone) feels Yeah, I feel you on that. I fall asleep every time I'm in the car as well.— Scott Sugarman When you buckle your chinstrap up, it's with a purpose, dog! Do you feel me?— Eric Berry

intransitive verb

1a : to receive or be able to receive a tactile sensation lost the ability to feel in his fingertips

b : to search for something by using the sense of touch She felt in her purse for her keys.

2a : to be conscious of an inward impression, state of mind, or physical condition I feel sick.

b : to have a marked sentiment or opinion feels strongly about it

3 : seem it feels like spring today

4 : to have sympathy or pity I feel for you

feel like

: to have an inclination for feel like a walk?

feel

noun

Definition of feel (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : sensation, feeling

2 : the sense of touch

3a : the quality of a thing as imparted through or as if through touch

b : typical or peculiar quality or atmosphere also : an awareness of such a quality or atmosphere

4 : intuitive knowledge or ability

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about feel

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Synonyms for feel

Synonyms: Verb

perceive, scent, see, sense, smell, taste

Synonyms: Noun

feeling, sensation, sense

Examples of feel in a Sentence

Verb

He felt a sudden pain in his leg. I could feel the warmth of the sun. I felt someone tap my shoulder. Do you feel a draft? She felt the fabric to see if it was wool. Your ribs are bruised, but I don't feel any broken bones.

Noun

the feel of old leather Although the table is brand-new, it has the look and feel of an antique. He liked the feel of the sun on his face.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The fresh-faced group will include a record number of women elected in the 2018 midterm elections, and their descent on the capital has revived the excitement felt on election night. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Next Generation of Congresswomen Takes Office," 3 Jan. 2019 Auto makers also have been feeling the pinch from the cooling economy. — Wsj Graphics, WSJ, "Apple Warning: Seven Charts That Show the Pressure on China’s Consumers," 2 Jan. 2019 Although these shuttles might feel more theme-park ride than transit solution, these slow-motion minibuses are performing an important task by introducing people to the idea of driverless tech. — Alissa Walker, Curbed, "The good, the bad, and the ugly of self-driving cars in 2018," 27 Dec. 2018 Supermodel and America's Got Talent judge Heidi Klum spills all her tips for looking and feeling her best. — Maddie Aberman, Redbook, "Heidi Klum Shares Her Trick for Glowing From Within," 14 Dec. 2018 And now Michael Cohen poses probably one of the biggest threats to his presidency, and feels a sense of personal betrayal and vengeance. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Axios’ Jonathan Swan explains what the press gets wrong about the Trump administration," 6 Dec. 2018 Neurologists on the front lines have felt powerless, watching their patients disappear into the sinkhole of forgetfulness. — Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, "A New Treatment for Alzheimer's? It Starts With Lifestyle," 16 Nov. 2018 Normal omnidirectional treadmills don’t feel quite natural, and some include straps so users won’t lose their balance. — Adi Robertson, The Verge, "Google is patenting a pair of motorized VR roller skates," 20 Nov. 2018 What may not be normal though, is constantly feeling like your stomach is swollen. — Colleen Stinchcombe, Woman's Day, "Why Am I Always Bloated?," 29 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The striking slanted roof also gives the space a more spacious feel. — Jenny Xie, Curbed, "The 7 most impressive prefab homes from 2018," 27 Dec. 2018 The imperfect edging gives each piece a unique feel. — Jennifer Fernandez, House Beautiful, "A Joanna Gaines Bedding Line Is Coming To Target The Day After Christmas," 22 Dec. 2018 Vibes also gave the song a cooler, more atmospheric feel. — Marc Myers, WSJ, "Todd Rundgren Recalls the Breakup Behind ‘Hello It’s Me’," 22 Nov. 2018 The two-inch plush material is ideal for firm mattresses, adding a fluffy pillow-top feel to your bed, and the stitching prevents shifting and helps keep the fill well-distributed. — Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping, "7 Top-Rated Mattress Toppers, According to Textile Pros," 19 Dec. 2018 Each missive is accompanied by an illustration by a different artist, giving the collection an eclectic feel. — Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, "Children’s Books: Inspiring Words for Aspiring Readers," 13 Dec. 2018 Kids will love the soft feel and colorful design while parents will appreciate the organic cotton fabric. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Copy Joanna Gaines and Get Baby Crew's Christmas Pajamas for Your Whole Family," 1 Dec. 2018 But the artsy scene and laid back feel haven’t changed much, thanks to strict city ordinances and the century-old Laguna Beach Art Association, which have kept commercialism in check. — Andrea Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, "First Look: Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach, California," 30 Nov. 2018 The container’s metal siding remains as the ceiling, giving the spaces an industrial feel. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Striking apartment building is made up of 140 shipping containers," 12 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.